ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS -- The Ellsworth CC volleyball squad opened the 2021 fall season at the McHenry County Tournament over the weekend and the Panthers posted their initial win of the campaign -- a 3-1 decision against Illinois Valley in their second match of the tourney.  After Illinois Valley took the opening set from the Panthers, 25-16, ECC stormed back with wins in the next three sets, 25-21, 25-12 and 25-16.  Gabi Damiano, one of the returners from last year's team, led the Panthers at the net with 13 kills and she also topped them with 8 digs.  Hanna Forge had a strong match with a team-leading 18 assists and 7 digs.  Yoliann De Jesus-Tejedor chipped in 8 kills and Emma Rosonke had 6 kills and a team-best 4 blocks.  Nuria Bravo Santos contributed 12 assists and Alyssa Morgan served two aces.

The Friday victory against Illinois Valley came after the Panthers lost 3-1 to Moraine Valley.  In that match, Ellsworth took set one 25-18 but dropped the next three sets (25-18, 25-16, 25-16).  Damiano's 12 kills led ECC and Katie Winter added 8 and De Jesus-Tejedor 6.  Hanna Forge led with 15 assists, one more than Bravo Santos.  Haley Forge was the leader with 6 digs and Damiano had 5.  Rosonke's 5 blocks led that category.

Ellsworth was defeated in all three of its matches on Saturday, losing 3-0 to both Black Hawk-East and Black Hawk-Moline and 3-1 to Highland (Ill.).  In the match vs. Black Hawk-East, Damiano and Haley Forge had 6 kills apiece, Hanna Forge recorded 15 assists and Damiano led with 5 digs.  Louise Lion and Damiano each pounded 7 kills against Highland, Damiano served three aces, Hanna Forge had 21 assists, Morgan 10 digs and De Jesus-Tejedor was strong at the net with 5 solo blocks and one assist.

Next up for the Panther netters is a trip to West Burlington for the Southeastern CC Tournament next Friday and Saturday.  They'll take on two Illinois schools the first day -- Heartland and Highland -- and match up with Iowa Lakes and Spoon River (Ill.) the following day.